Hi Utah,

In case you missed it, this week I announced my plans to walk 250 consecutive miles for America’s 250th anniversary, starting next week. More on that below. But another high was seeing progress on one of my top priorities in the Senate: addressing wildfires.

I’ve talked a lot about the Fix Our Forests Act, a major piece of bipartisan legislation focused on proactive forest management to reduce catastrophic wildfires before they start. We’re gaining real momentum on that bill, and I’m hopeful we can get it passed soon.

Additionally, I introduced commonsense legislation with a bipartisan group of Western colleagues that delivers a bit of a double whammy: it strengthens drinking water infrastructure while also improving wildfire preparedness in the rural communities at greatest risk. And earlier we also put forward a bill that would better protect and compensate federal firefighters by providing dedicated rest and recuperation leave following extended deployments to major wildfire incidents.

For my low, while I would like to say that we aren’t as dysfunctional in Congress as you might think, this week has been particularly frustrating. Last week, my low was that we didn’t pass a FISA bill, and, well, that still hasn’t happened. We were on a good path, but a few wrenches were thrown into the works this week, and frankly, it’s caused a lot of gripes and dysfunction around here.

Have a great weekend.

Senator Curtis announced his plans to embark on a multi-day, 250-mile walk across Utah in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Averaging 30 miles of walking per day, the senator will start his journey near the northern border of Utah and end in his hometown of Provo on the Fourth of July.



“The distinctly American values consecrated in our founding documents and exhibited by Utah’s pioneer settlers matter now more than ever, and it is our sacred obligation not just to speak of them, but to live them,” said Senator Curtis. “I hope you will follow along with me throughout this journey to also reflect more deeply upon the meaning of these values in our history and in your own life.”

As previewed in an opinion piece published in the Deseret News, Senator Curtis will use the occasion to highlight the values enshrined in the United States’ founding documents—the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution—and those exhibited by Utah’s pioneer settlers.



Full piece by Senator Curtis here.



As wildfires continue to threaten Utah and the West, rural communities need access to the tools and infrastructure necessary to protect lives and property. Senators Curtis and Padilla (D-CA), members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the FIRE SMART Act, bipartisan legislation to expand funding eligibility for projects with fire suppression benefits in high-risk rural areas. The legislation would help build rural communities’ resiliency by optimizing water infrastructure to provide the flow necessary for emergency responders to save lives and property during an active wildfire.



Senator Curtis raised concerns about China’s expanding influence in Jamaica during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to consider Kari Lake to be Ambassador to Jamaica, focusing on the national security implications of Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, telecommunications, and port operations throughout the Caribbean.





Senator Curtis, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chair of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, applauded committee passage of eight bipartisan bills he leads and cosponsors to curb China’s human rights abuses, counter authoritarian influence in Latin America, support partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific, and advance U.S. interests abroad:

"At a time of growing global competition, the United States must lead with clarity, strength, and purpose. These bipartisan bills reinforce our commitment to our allies, hold adversaries accountable, promote the rule of law, and expand opportunities for American engagement across key regions. I'm grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for advancing these important measures, and look forward to their passage by the full Senate."



Senator Curtis shared congratulations following the Senate’s confirmation of Michelle Steel to serve as U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, praising his former House colleague as exceptionally qualified for the role:

“Congratulations to my friend and former colleague, Michelle Steel! She is exceptionally qualified and will serve our country well as U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.”



For years, bad actors have litigated the firearms industry in ways that undermine Americans’ Second Amendment rights. Senator Curtis recently joined his Republican colleagues in introducing the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act, which would strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to provide enhanced protections to the firearms industry from frivolous lawsuits brought by anti-gun bad actors.



Full story by Charlie Schill here.



Senator Curtis shared the following message to commemorate Juneteenth:

“Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on our ongoing pursuit of liberty and the promise that all people are created equal. Today we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, and recommit ourselves to the principles of freedom and opportunity that guide our nation.”

Senator Curtis released the following statement regarding the memorandum of understanding with Iran:

“The return of stability in global energy markets is a welcome sign of economic relief for American families, but we must be clear-eyed about the long-term implications a final resolution with Iran will have on our national security.

“As negotiations continue following this initial agreement, I would encourage the Administration to do what would have been advantageous from the beginning: actively engaging with Congress. Doing so ensures the American people are more directly represented in the outcome, which will help secure a lasting win for the United States.

“Our focus must remain on the primary objective of placing rigorous, enduring constraints on the Iranian regime’s destabilizing capabilities.”

Senator Curtis cracked open a tall boy with James Quincey, Executive Chairman of The Coca-Cola Company. They discussed Coca-Cola’s economic footprint in Utah and how Senate Republicans’ Working Family Tax Cuts are helping support greater business investment across the United States.





Senator Curtis shared the following message celebrating his wife Sue’s birthday:

“Happy Birthday to my wife, Sue! I’m grateful every day that I get to share life’s adventures with her.”

As Utahns head outdoors this season, Senator Curtis has launched a new Utah Water Recreation and Access page to help families, boaters, anglers, and visitors plan ahead before traveling to the state’s most popular lakes and reservoirs.

Before your next lake trip, visit curtis.senate.gov/utah-recreational-lake-conditions for a one-stop shop for the latest available information.

Understanding our history helps us better appreciate the people, ideas, and events that shaped us today. Senator Curtis met with National History Day students from Utah on the Capitol steps to hear about their experience and discuss the Senate’s role in our government.





Senator Curtis met with the Utah Association of Realtors to discuss federal policies impacting housing affordability and homeownership in Utah. Their conversation focused on efforts to increase housing supply, reduce barriers to responsible development, and support programs that help more Utah families achieve the dream of owning a home.

For families navigating the immigration process, delays can become especially concerning when a child’s safety is at risk. One Utah family reached out to Senator Curtis’ office after conditions became dangerous for their stepson, who was living in Mexico while awaiting immigration approval. With the help of our casework team, their case was expedited and their family was reunited. With their permission, we’re sharing their story to highlight how our office helps families facing urgent and compassionate circumstances.



If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, our office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.

Social Security’s looming insolvency sparks alarm in Congress (The Hill)

Trump signs deal with Iran — but Republicans still have questions (Deseret News)

Sen. John Curtis proposes legislation to better protect, compensate federal firefighters (Cache Valley Daily)

Republican leaders request briefing on Iran deal as details remain unclear (Deseret News)

Curtis Aims To Increase Second Amendment Protections (Basin Now)

curtis.senate.gov

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